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ACSJC Briefing No 154 - March 2014

posted Mar 2, 2014, 3:01 PM by Sean Donovan

MARCH
2014 ISSUE 154

Welcome to the monthly news and
information briefing from the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council,
the social justice and human rights agency of the Catholic Church in Australia.
This email contains highlights only. The full Briefing is online.

The Federal Government has admitted
there was a risk of such a serious incident occurring. 'For many years, the
Australian Government has understood the consequences of indefinite, long-term
detention on the mental health of asylum seekers,' said Refugee Council of
Australia CEO Paul Power. Read more

The Australian Human Rights
Commission has launched a new inquiry into the immigration detention of
children. It has been ten years since the publication of A Last Resort, the
report that made very clear recommendations for the protection of children
seeking asylum. Read more

The 2014 Social Justice Diary
includes the dates of significant events, anniversaries and special days which
celebrate particular aspects of social justice. It provides a social justice
program for the full year. Information and ideas for prayer and reflection are
included. This is an essential resource for teachers and parishes. Read more

'Utopia' is an epic production by
the Emmy and BAFTA winning film-maker and journalist John Pilger. Utopia is a
vast region in northern Australia and home to the oldest human presence on
earth. It is screening in Kalgoorlie, Cairns, Mona Vale, Bankstown, Canberra, Parramatta,
Armidale, Epping, Ryde and Perth. Read more

During February, Caritas Australia
added its voice to other groups protesting against Federal Government's cuts of
$650 million from Australia's official aid program in the 2013-14 financial
year. Read more

Support of National Close the Gap
Day has been central in getting Australian governments to prioritise Indigenous
health over the last few years. This in turn has led to declines in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander infant and child mortality. Read more